Bush State Of The Union Speech: Reviews Already In

Why waste your time watching the State Of The Union speech? The reviews are already in, and the DSCC has collected them for you!

Susan Collins

2006: Collins Called Speech "Strong and Uplifting." In 2006, Collins characterized Bush's State of the Union as "strong and uplifting." The AP reported, "Sen. Susan Collins characterized Bush's message as strong and uplifting, saying he provided a clear outline of the agenda for the coming year." (Portland Press Herald, 2/1/06; AP, 2/1/06; Collins Release, 2/1/06)

2005: Collins: Bush Offered "Bold Agenda" for America. In 2005, Collins said, "President Bush presented a bold agenda for our country." Collins made it a point to note that she agreed with Bush's call to maintain US troops in Iraq. She said, "I support the President's call for continued support for our troops, particularly those fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must do everything possible to ensure that our troops have the resources they need to accomplish their mission as safely as possible. The Iraqi elections demonstrated that with U.S. and international support, the Iraqi people can take the steps necessary to achieve democracy and stability." (Portland Press Herald, 2/3/05; Collins Release, 2/2/05)

2004: Collins Called Speech "Strong and Uplifting." In 2004, Collins praised the State of the Union, calling the speech "strong and uplifting." Collins said, "The President has delivered a strong and uplifting message to the American people. Tonight's speech provided a clear outline of ways to address many of the issues and challenges that are important to our country." (Portland Press Herald, 1/21/04; AP, 1/20/04; Collins Release, 1/21/04)

2003: Collins said Bush Did "Terrific Job" On Speech. After the 2003 State of the Union, Collins praised Bush for doing a "terrific job." Collins said, "The president did a terrific job; the tone was serious, comprehensive, and I was pleased to see his emphasis on health care as one of four centerpieces." (Portland Press Herald, 1/29/03; Los Angeles Times, 1/29/03; AP, 1/28/03; States News Service, 1/28/03)

2002: Collins Calls Bush's Speech "Uplifting." In 2002, Collins was among 14 Senators that led Bush into the House Chamber. Afterwards, Collins offered glowing praise for President Bush's State of the Union address. Collins said, "I was impressed with the president's call to service. Tapping into that American spirit, that compassion and the sense of helping one another is part of what I found to be uplifting about the speech." (Portland Press Herald, 1/30/02; Los Angeles Times, 1/30/02; Collins Release, 1/29/02)

Gee, what do we think this "strong independent" is going to say this year? Hmm. Maybe "terrific, strong, bold and uplifting?" You think?

Get a new record, Susan. This one's broken.

Elizabeth Dole

2005: Dole Called State of the Union a Bold Vision. In response to Bush's 2005 State of the Union Dole said, "The President presented a bold vision for where he wants to lead our country. I applaud him for having a frank discussion with the American people about the challenges we face at home and abroad." She said that she supported Bush's "steadfast commitment to winning the War on Terror." (Dole Release, 02/03/05)

2006: Dole Said State of the Union Was Bold, Optimistic Vision, Which She Applauded. In response to Bush's 2006 State of the Union Dole said, "The President presented a bold, optimistic vision, which I applaud - a vision of security, prosperity and leadership...I support President Bush's steadfast commitment to winning the War on Terror." (Dole Release, 02/01/06)

2007: Dole Applauded State of the Union. In response to Bush's 2007 State of the Union, Dole said, "The president addressed the nation with confidence and resolve. I applaud his efforts to discuss issues where there is bipartisan common ground." (Dole Release, 01/23/07)

I'll go out on a limb here and guess Liddy's gonna say this year's speech was bold and optimistic. Smart money says she "applauds" it. Whaddya think?

And how about Gordon Smith? He's at least getting his money's worth from his writers:

Gordon Smith

2002: Smith Praised State of the Union. In January 2002, Smith praised Bush's State of the Union. Smith said, "We need to continue the war on terrorism while recognizing that people at home are suffering. As we have in the fight against terror, I'm confident that, with the president's help, we will be able to put aside partisan differences and work together to get our economy moving again." (AP, 01/30/02)

2003: Smith Said Bush Demonstrated Levelheaded Determination in State of the Union. In response to Bush's 2003 State of the Union, Smith said, "President Bush has demonstrated levelheaded determination in confronting the challenges facing Americans at home and abroad." (AP, 01/28/03)

2004: Smith Said State of the Union Outlined a Strong Agenda. In January 2004, Smith said, "President Bush outlined a strong agenda that addresses issues that are very important to Oregonians...The economy is growing at record pace, jobs are being created and our national security is in good hands." (Gannett News Service, 1/21/04)

2006: Smith Praised Bush's Tone. In February 2006, Smith appeared on The News Hour with Jim Lehrer to respond to Bush's State of the Union. Smith said, "I really liked the tonality tonight. He extended an olive branch I think to the political discourse." (The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, 2/1/06)

But check out Mr. Trying-to-Distance-Myself-From-Bush. Could you have a stronger record of presidential ass-kissing? And we're now entering our eighth year of Smith insisting Bush is seeking bipartisan compromise. Get a clue, Gordo! Stop pissing into the wind!

So I've saved you the time you would have wasted watching the post-speech spin cycle. And in fact, it really is true that most of the reactions to the speech will already have been written by lunchtime today. Everyone on the Hill usually gets an advance copy, and the responses are scripted (and sometimes even released, with an embargo) hours before the speech is actually given.

Source: By Daily Kos